GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A partnership between Davenport University and for-profit medical schools in the Caribbean was highlighted in a report published Tuesday by Bloomberg News.

The medical schools, which don’t have access to U.S. federal loans, are “encouraging some students to enroll simultaneously in online master’s programs at U.S. universities,” according to the story, which goes on to say that the “loans help students afford Caribbean schools, which accept thousands of U.S. applicants who fail to win a spot stateside.”

Three other U.S. colleges that have partnerships with Caribbean medical schools were included in the story.

Davenport partners with St. Matthew's University in the Cayman Islands, Medical University of the Americas in the West Indies and SABA University School of Medicine in Antilles, according to the university’s website.

Students from those institutions who enroll in Davenport’s online Health-Care MBA receive a discounted tuition rate, Davenport’s website says.

“At least nine of about three dozen island medical schools ally with U.S. colleges, making available a financial-aid loophole that lets online students receive loans for living expenses,” the story says. “Some medical students are using funds from their Web-based programs to support themselves in the Caribbean.”

In response to an interview request by MLive, Davenport issued the following statement:

“Among other MBA enrollment strategies, Davenport University participates in partnership agreements with various businesses, organizations and educational institutions, including some Caribbean medical schools since 2005. Regardless of the partner organization referring students, Davenport University's MBA program will only accept qualified applicants who meet all academic requirements. Typically, Davenport's MBA students enroll for six credits per semester, fulfilled through two seven-week courses. Students who complete two courses per semester, including the Spring/Summer semester, complete their MBA program in two years. Information pertaining to those students who choose to obtain loans related to their DU education is a personal matter and it is not appropriate for us to comment.”

Brian McVicar covers education for MLive and The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at bmcvicar@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter